Getting adequate quality sleep is so important, and without it, our health and well-being can be seriously affected. If you struggle to get good shut-eye, you may have tried various methods to fix the issue. However, there’s one thing you may not have considered that experts say could make all the difference: sleep like an astronaut.
The zero gravity sleeping position is used by astronauts to get the best possible sleep while stationed at the ISS (and as they travel there) to reduce stress on the body. It entails sleeping with your head slightly above your heart, creating a slight incline for the upper body. In addition, the knees tend to be slightly bent.
As a result, the zero gravity sleep position ensures your body remains in the “zero stress zone” with less stress on the spine, heart, and airways, according to The Manual. The effects this can have not only on your quality of sleep but your overall health are impressive.
Of course, doing this at home is easier said than done. While you could get a bunch of pillows to try and create the effect, it’s most successful when sleeping on an adjustable bed that allows both the head and knees to be raised to a similar height. Using an adjustable bed also makes sure you can stay in the astronaut’s preferred sleep position for a long period of time.
In addition to reducing stress on the body, the zero gravity sleep position can reportedly reduce snoring and back pain as well as help to improve circulation. The increased relaxation you’ll experience in this position should also help you get some quality zzzs.
Of course, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll suddenly sleep like a baby and wake up feeling like a million bucks, but it’s certainly worth a try, don’t you think?
